Book rest



June 9, 1936. R. JfPFlsTER A www4 BooK REST'- Filed Jan. 16, 1955 Patented June 9, 1936 ni'rED STATES PATENT OFFICE 14 Claims.

This invention, as indicated, relates to a book rest. More particularly, it comprises a ioldable support adapted to have its members folded to fiat compact relation for convenience in carrying when not in use, and to be extended to spread apart braced relation when required as a support.

The device is of particular use as a support for books, but obviously may be utilized as a support for newspapers, cards, or various other objects.

The device is intended not merely to support the book, but to engage over the front edges of the open pages so as to hold the same against accidental displacement and yet permit convenient turning of the pages while the book is within the support. It is ci much convenience while reference books are being used, or while copying, or laboratory operations or the like are in progress while a certain portion oi the book is to be used for reference. In such connection it may be used in a chemical laboratory or hospital, in a machine Shop, in a kitchen or dietetic laboratory, and will serve to hold the book in adjusted position while the hands of the reader are being utilized in carrying out various operations.

Tnedevice is adapted to be adjusted for any desired angle and in this manner the proper lighting of the page can be brought about so as to eliminate glare and to permit easyreading of the matter under consideration. Where newspapers, magazines, orjournals are to be spread out in full width, an auxiliaryV bar may be used as a supplementary support for such reading matter and will serve to hold the upper portions thereof in open spread position for easy reading.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawing and the following description setting forth in detail certain structures embodying the invention,

such disclosed means constituting, however, but

one of various forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawing: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a book `rest embodying the principles of the invention,

such device being in fully extended supporting position, and having an auxiliary supporting bar in position thereon; and

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the device illustrated in Figure 1 with the members thereof in compact folded position.

As is clearly shownrin the drawing, the device comprises two forward members I', 2, each preferably formed of wire and provided at their lower ends with rounded terminals 3 preferably formed by bending the extreme ends of the wire into substantially closed eyes at such points. `From the terminal portions of said members the forward portions extend downwardly and outwardly toward the user, and thence rearwardly on a substantially horizontal line when the device is opened for a distance adequate to receive a portion of an open book, and thence the members extend upwardly parallel to the forward sections for substantially the remainder of their length which preferably is approximately the height of a standard size book.

The forward members at a point spaced from their lower ends approximately the distance of the extreme front upturned portions thereof, are provided with a sharp right angle bend 4 in each of the forward members to provide a locking area for the bracing members hereinafter to be described.

One oi the forward members shown in the drawing as the member l is formed at its upper end with an eye or loop 5 formed by giving its free upper end substantially a double turn over the greater portion of its extent. The central under portion 6 of such eye is of single Wire thickness and provides a limited area of the under portion of said eye for the engagement of an eye 'i formed at the upper end of the opposite formember 2, and an eye 8 formed at the upper end of a telescopic rearward support 9.

The rearward support, as has been indicated, is formed of two sections Il, l2, the upper section Il having an angularly disposed loop or eye I3 engaged over the lower section l2, and the lower section I2 having a similar angularly disposed loop or eye il! engaged over the upper section Il. The loops are disposed at an angle to the Shanks of the members on which they are formed and are of a size to frictionally engage the respective wires over which they are engaged in three point resilient frictional contact, and thus any desired adjustment mayA be had of the rearward brace by pressing upon the ends of the sections thereof. rearward brace 9 is formed with an eye or loop l5 which similarly to the loop 5 heretofore described is formed by giving its free lower end a double turn over the greater portion of its extent, but allowing an inner section I6 of single wire thickness with which the eyes or loops l1, i8, of a pair of lateral brace members `2l, 22 are engaged. At the free ends of the brace members 2|, Z2, guide hinges or pivoted slides V23, 24,

The lower end of the 45 respectively, are provided, engaged by the respective somewhat flattened loops I9, 20.

A cross brace 25 is provided between the two forward members I and 2, each of the ends of said cross brace being formed with somewhat flattened loops or eyes 26, 2l, respectively, the loop 23 engaging the extension tabs of a guide hinge or pivoted slide 28 snugly iitted about the lower portion of the upstanding section of the right angle bend in the member 2 and adapted to move to a limited extent about said wire, but being preferably too snugly tted to be moved over the upper corner of said bent portion onto the upper straight section of the member 2.

The slide member 24 of the brace member 2l is adapted to slide down the member 2 immediately above the member 28 when the device is in open position. The opposite end of the brace member 25 has the somewhat iiattened loop 2 engaged through the extension tabs of a guide hinge or pivoted slide member 29 which is of sufcient size to freely ride over the corner of the right angle portion of the member I. When the device is in open position, the pivoted slide 29 is adapted to rest immediately above the pivoted slide 23.

The pivoted slides are all of substantially the same construction, comprising thin metal plates folded at a central point so as to provide a sleeve-like central portion with registering apertures in the superposed end portions or extension tabs thereof through which the eye or loop at the end of the respective brace wires is adapted to be engaged. The loops engaging about the extension tabs permit slight swiveling movement of the sleeves which action facilitates the folding of the frame members into snugly nested relation.

The device obviously may be made in various sizes, and each of the sizes is adapted for holding reading matter of a size much smaller or much larger than the standard size for which it is originally designed. For very heavy books wire of heavier gage may be utilized, but it will be found that the device when made of fairly stiff wire of lighter gage will be adapted to support reading matter of different weights very satisfactorily. The device when made with wire of ordinary gage and with an over all height of between seven and eight inches will weigh approximately two ounces and therefore may be easily carried in the pocket or handbag of the user without inconvenience.

The device as above described is complete in itself and adapted to support books, newspapers, cards, and various other types of reading matter, but where a somewhat flimsy article, such as a large thin newspaper or flexible card, is to be held in rmly supported spread position, it is desirable to apply to the pyramidal support above described an auxiliary supporting bar such as is shown in attached position in Figure l of the drawing, and in folded position in Figure 2 of said drawing.

The supporting bar 3I is preferably made of two telescopic sections 37., 33, the section 32 being formed with a rounded terminal 34 similar to the terminals 3 on the forward members and preferably formed by bending the extreme end of the wire into a substantially closed eye at such point. The opposite end of the member 32 is provided with an angularly disposed loop or eye 35 having an opening of adequate size to be engaged over the companion section 33 of the telescopic bar and having substantially three point frictional engagement therewith.

The bar section 33 is of slightly shorter length than the bar section 32 in order to permit the two sections to be disengaged and spread apart adjacent the loop member 35 so as to permit the application of the bar around the upper section of the forward members of the pyramidal support when the device is to be put into use. The member 33 is not formed with a rounded terminal at its free end, but is of the straight wire gage throughout. The other end of the section 33 is formed with an angularly disposed loop or eye 36 similar to the loop or eye 35 on the member 32. The loop or eye 36 is engaged about the shank of the member 32 and has substantially three point frictional engagement therewith.

It will be noted that the loops or eyes 35, 36 are each formed in substantially identical manner, the angular disposition of the eyes and the direction of their opening being substantially the same. When the sections 32, 33 are engaged with each other in sliding telescopic arrangement, the angular disposition of the eyes is not parallel in the form illustrated, although obviously the loops could be so formed as to bring the same into substantially parallel relation. Each of the loops has frictional engagement with the shank of the companion bar section, and such frictional engagement is substantially three point contact, the Shanks of the respective bars serving to maintain a substantial degree oi' friction upon the angularly disposed loop sections through their resiliency.

When not in use the device is carried in folded condition substantially as shown in Figure 2 of the drawing. It may be engaged within a flexible cover so as to fit readily within the pocket of the user, or may be supplied with various types of containers, or used without such element. y

When it is desired to open the supporting frame, the loop 5 at the top of the member I is grasped by the operator and the forward members I, 2, and the telescopic rearward support 9 are spread to form a pyramid. The brace members then tend to fall into place, with the guide hinges moving in substantially a straight line with their respective braces. As the sleeve portions of the pivoted slides or guide members reach the angle portions of the forward members, such pivoted slides may be turned slightly to pass them over the upper corner of the angle section of the forward members. After the several slides have been forced down upon the angle portion of the forward members, the device is ready for use. The angle at which the book or other reading matter is supported may be adjusted by grasping the double loop portions 5 and I5 and forcing them toward or away from each other in accordance with the character of adjustment desired.

When the auxiliary supporting bar is to be ap plied to the pyramidal support, the telescopic bar sections are moved so as to bring the loop 36 against the rounded terminal 34 and in this position the free end of the bar section 33 will pass through the loop 35 and the bars may be spread apart, the element 36 acting as a hinge. When so spread, the bar sections 32, 33, are engaged over the shanks of the forward members I, 2, and the end 33 is engaged through the loop 35 and the telescopic bar members extended so as to bring the loops 35, 36 closely adjacent the respective forward members I and 2. The auxiliary bar will thus be frictionally held upon the members I and 2 through the fact that the space between the bars provides for frictional engagement with the. bars to be engaged between the same and the end portions of the central area provided by the shanks of the parallel telescopic sections 3i, 33 will seat upon the spread apart forward members l, 2, and resist displacement downwardly thereon. Thus the auxiliary supporting bar will be held with a firm degree of engagement vupon the main frame of the foldable.` support.

When it is desired to fold the spread apart device, if the auxiliary supporting bar has been applied to the main frame, it is first detached by sliding the loop member 35 toward the rounded end 34 and disengaging the free end of the section 33 from the loop 35. After the removal of the auxiliary bar, its members may be engaged in the manner shown in Figure 2 so that it may be readily carried with the main portion of the device. When it is desired to fold the main portion of the spread apart device, the telescopic rearward support 9 should first be extended to slightly more than the length of the lateral brace members ZI, 22, in order to permit such members to swing down into substantially parallel relation with the forward members i and 2. It wiil be noted that the angle portions of the forward members l and 2 engage between the lateral brace members 2i and 22 when the device is folded as is shown in Figure 2. In this manner all the frame members are compactly disposed substantially parallel to each other and occupy very little space.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of those explained, change being made as regards the structure herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. A device of the character described having in combination a plurality of frame members pivotally connected adjacent their upper ends and adapted to be spread apart in pyramidal form, brace members adapted to be disposed respectively between pairs of said frame members adjacent the lower portions of each of said frame members to hold the same in spread apart and locked position, said brace members being in the form of bars pivotally connected with individual frame members at one end and slidably connected with other individual frame members at their opposite ends, certain of said frame members serving as an inclined support when said device is in spread apart position.

2. A device of the character described having in combination a plurality of frame. members pivotally connected adjacent their upper ends and adapted to be spread apart in pyramidal form, brace members adapted to be disposed between said frame members adjacent the lower portions of said frame members to hold the same in spread apart and locked position, said brace members being in the form of bars pivotally connected with individual frame members at one end and slidably connected with other individual frame members at their opposite ends, certain of said frame members serving as an inclined support when said device is in spread apart position, and means for changing the length of at least one of said frame members with reference to the remaining frame members.

3. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and pivotally connected to each other at their upper ends to permit folding in substantially parallel relation, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each' other, and means between each adjacent pair of said frame members for locking said members in spaced apart relation.

4. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and pivotally connected to each other at their upper ends to permit folding in substantially parallel relation, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, and folding means between each adjacent pair of said frame members for looking said members in spaced apart relation.

5. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and pivotally connected to each other at their upper ends to permit folding in substantially parallel relation, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, and sliding bars connected between adjacent supporting members for locking said members in spaced apart relation.

6. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and pivotally connected to each other at their upper ends to permit folding in substantially parallel relation, a` rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, and sliding bars connected to the lower portions of said respective frame members at one end of said respective bars and slidably engaged with adjacent frame members at the other ends of said respective bars for locking said members in spread apart relation.

'7. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members F provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and connected to each other at their upper ends, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, means for changing the length of said rearwardly extending member, and means for locking said members in spaced apart relation.

8. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and connected to each other at their upper ends, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, said rearwardly extending member comprising two sections having portions overlapping centrally of said member and slidably engaged upon the opposite sections, and means for locking said frame members in spaced apart relation. Y

9. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward supporting members provided adjacent their lower ends with article engaging elements and provided with angularly offset areas in spaced relation to their lower ends, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, a pair of brace members pivotally connected with the lower end of said rearwardly extendinU member and slidably connected with the forward frame members, and a brace member pivotally connected with one of the forward frame members at its angularly offset area and slidably engaged with the other forward frame member at its free end, the slidable portions of all of said brace members being adapted to be engaged with the angulariy offset portions of said forward frame members when the device is in fully opened position.

7.0. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward supporting members provided adjacent their lower ends with article engaging elements and provided with angularly offset areas in spaced relation to their lower ends, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, a pair of brace members pivotally connected with the lower end of said rearwardly extending member, guide hinges slidably engaged on said forward members and pivoted to the free ends of said respective brace members, a brace member pivotally connected with one of the forward frame members at its angularly offset area, and a guide hinge slidably engaged with the other ci said forward frame members and pivotally connected with the free end of said last-named brace member, the guide hinges of all of said brace members being adapted to be engaged upon the angular portions of said forward members when the device is in fully opened position and to lock the device in such position.

1l. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward supporting members provided adjacent their lower ends with article engaging elements and provided with angularly offset areas in spaced relation to their lower ends, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, a pair of brace members pivotally connected with the lower end of said rearwardly extending member, guide hinges slidably engaged on said forward members and pivoted to the free ends of said respective brace members, a brace member pivotally and rotatably connected with one of the forward frame members at its angularly offset area, -and a guide hinge slidably engaged with the other of said forward frame members and pivotally connected with the free end of said last-named brace member, the guide hinges of all of said brace members being adapted to be engagedupon the angular portions of said forward members with one end of the forward brace member seated in the lowermost position upon the angle area of one of said forward members and in the uppermost position upon the angle area of the other of said forward members with the sleeves of the lateral brace members respectively in upper and lower positions adjacent said respective ends and serving to lock said frame members in fully opened position.

12. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and connected to each other at their upper ends, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, means for locking said members in spaced apart relation, an auxiliary supporting bar formed in two sections telescopically related to each other, and means for engaging said bar over said forward frame members.

13. A device of the character described having in combination a pair of forward frame members provided with article engaging elements adjacent their lower ends and connected to each other at their upper ends, a rearwardly extending supporting member connected to said forward frame members adjacent their point of connection to each other, means for locking said members in spaced apart relation, and an auxiliary supporting bar formed in two sections each having loops engaged over the shanks of the companion sections, said shanks being spaced a distance sufficient to frictionally receive the upper portion of said forward frame members between the same.

14. An auxiliary supporting bar for a foldable bookrest formed of wire frame members, composed of two sections formed of a wire bar each having an angularly disposed loop member adjacent one end engaged in resilient three-point frictional contact with the companion bar and hav ing the shank portions of said respective bars spaced from each other a distance sufficient to receive the frame members of said foldable device between the same.

RUDOLF J. PFISTER. 

